Monday, December 4, 2017

The Cavalier Daily

SEMESTER IN REVIEW FALL 2017

Vol. 128, Issue 15

Monday, December 4, 2017

PHOTOS BY THE CAVALIER DAILY AND GRAPHIC BY MATT GILLAM | THE CAVALIER DAILY

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B R I I NE F N

NEWS

Hundreds of students and Charlottesville community members participated in the “March to Reclaim Our Grounds” Aug. 21 to protest the University and city’s response to the recent white nationalist torchlit march and “Unite the Right” rally. The Black Student Alliance also presented a list of demands signed by multiple University groups.

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The Board of Visitors voted to remove the Confederate plaques on the Rotunda at its meeting Sept. 15.

The University initiated a two-year long celebration of its Bicentennial Oct. 6 with a launch event held on the Lawn, which featured speeches and musical and artistic performances. The event also featured a telling of the University’s history since its founding through animated projections on the Rotunda.

Former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton delivered the closing remarks for the Women’s Global Leadership Forum to a packed Old Cabell Hall on sexism in politics Nov. 14.

The University opened three Title IX investigations in November after former students filed complaints about English Prof. John Casey, who they claim committed various forms of sexual and gender-based harassment when they were students at the University. Casey has not responded to the specific allegations.

James Edward Ryan was unanimously elected as the ninth president of the University by the Board of Visitors Sept. 15. The dean of the Harvard Graduate School of Education had been hired in the culmination of a special committee’s eight-month search by for University President Teresa Sullivan’s successor. Ryan’s term will begin in October 2018.

Graduate students protested Nov. 29 against a provision in a Congressional House bill that would tax tuition waivers, which could greatly increase taxes on graduate students.

NATALIE SEO AND AISHA SINGH | THE CAVALIER DAILY

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MONDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2017

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An update on former Law student’s Honor trial story Johnathan Perkins reflects on the reactions to his story now as compared to six years ago Maggie Servais | Associate Editor Two months ago The Cavalier Daily published an article on new information related to a claim of harassment by University Police that then-Law student Johnathan Perkins made and subsequently recanted in 2011. As a result of his recantation, Perkins was tried for an Honor code violation and acquitted by the Honor Committee.

Six years later, Perkins told the The Cavalier Daily an aspect of his story shared during his Honor trial but never disclosed to the public — he said the FBI was involved in the situation and pressured him to recant his claim.

Perkins said he remained silent about this side of the story due to potential charges that could have been brought against him. The statute of limitations was five years though he said was still hesitant to speak out again with the risk of repercussions from significant authority figures.

“I had remained quiet about for six years and it involved kind of speaking the truth to very powerful actors, namely the FBI and local law enforcement generally,” Perkins said in an interview with The Cavalier Daily. “I didn’t know what news outlets would pick it up and I didn’t know what the response would be.”

Since the publication of The Cavalier Daily’s article two months ago, other news outlets, many of which reported on Perkins’ case in 2011, have written updated stories based on Perkins’ recent statements.

“So far the response has been overwhelmingly positive and people have been really kind with their words and feedback regarding the actual substance of what I shared,” Perkins said.

Back in 2011, Perkins, who is black, felt he was the victim of race-based discrimination when, in early spring, two University Police officers stopped him on his walk home, roughly handled him and searched his belongings because he “fit the description” of someone they were looking for. After speaking with friends and peers, one of Perkins’ professor’s encouraged Perkins to publish his story, which he ultimately did as a Letter to the Editor of the Virginia Law Weekly.

A month following Perkins’ Letter to the Editor, FBI Senior Supervisory Resident Agent Robert Hilland called Perkins and asked to speak with him. Perkins said Hilland was waiting for him at his car in the Law School parking lot, accompanied by two University Police officers in charge of investigating Perkins claim of harassment by the UPD. According to Perkins, the four

then went into an office at the Law School for an interrogation. Perkins said Hilland listed all of the consequences that would ensue if Perkins maintained his claim or it all would go away if he recanted his statement.

After a interrogation that lasted over two hours, Perkins said he signed a blank piece of paper detailing his recantation as dictated

by Hilland. The following day the University issued a press release explaining Perkins recantation and no mention of the FBI’s involvement.

Honor Code charges were filed against Perkins for lying. His trial took place in July 2011 where he was found not guilty. He was granted his degree in September 2011, and he went on to work for a Pennsylvania Law firm.

Despite his acquittal, Perkins said he was called a liar and a “race-baiter” and has had to deal with negative attention related to his case for the past six years.

“Between 2011 and now I felt like I was living my life with the knowledge that all of this negative press and media were out there and the knowledge that so so many people thought I was a liar and someone who would lie, of all things, about race issues, which are so important to me,” Perkins said.

Perkins said he felt a constant burden in discussing issues related to race and police harassment knowing many people did not credit his opinions. He said that changed, however, when he shared the rest of his story.

“The negative things on the internet about me and the opinions that people held about me were occupying space in my mind and occupying a space in my everyday no matter where I went,” Perkins said.

“Now that there is the full story out there, that space isn’t occupied anymore and I can use it for other things and I can rest knowing that I’ve done everything I can to tell me entire story.”

Law Professor Kim Forde-Mazrui, who Perkins’ spoke with shortly after both his initial encounter with the police and later the FBI, spoke to the sense of relief Perkins expressed after sharing the rest of his story.

“I just have been very gratified

by I think how liberated he feels,” Forde-Mazrui said. “For six years it was always this thing of I could only tell people that we could trust but now it’s like I can tell anybody, I don’t even need to ask him and that just shows a feeling of freedom.”

Perkins’ statements to The Cavalier Daily about the FBI’s involvement in his 2011 recantation and

Honor trial gained coverage from local news outlets, including The Daily Progress and the C-VILLE Weekly. His story also gained national media attention when the Huffington Post published an article in October. The blog Above the Law, which wrote disparaging pieces about Perkins in 2011, published an updated account with Perkins’ mention of the FBI’s involvement.

The American Bar Association Journal also wrote a recent piece and Inside Higher Ed added a note about Perkins’ statement of the FBI’s involvement at the top of one of their 2011 articles which questioned the UPD's decision not to press charges against Perkins.

Perkins said, for the most part, the responses of his friends, family and colleagues to the recent press has been positive. Perkins said people who knew about the FBI’s involvement showed solidarity with him and were outspoken in their support for him.

Perkins said he also received messages from people he had lost touch with over the years apologizing for believing his recantation at the time and thinking he had lied.

Others who had expressed at the time how upset they were that the University allowed Perkins to graduate, also reached out to apologize.

“Of course I forgive them and I don’t even know that an apology is necessary, they were reacting to what they had been told, which was that I fabricated this,” Perkins said.

“I just hope that moving forward if they encounter some situation like this that seems a little fishy, I hope that they might be a little bit more questioning.”

Perkins said he thinks the more accepting and understanding reactions to his story now are largely due to the national coverage of similar cases of police harassment and race-based discrimination.

Black Lives Matter and similar movements have gained significant prominence between now and 2011.

“In 2017, the public is not surprised to hear stories of police misconduct, particularly against black men,” Perkins said. “The stories of police brutality and misconduct are just all too common and people are becoming more and more acquainted with the way that many black people have to live their lives in America.”

In November, Perkins published an op-ed in The Marshall Project describing his story. In it he included ways he hopes society can take steps toward fixing issues of police harassment and discrimination — Perkins said he thinks a start is believing people of color when they say they experienced something

RICHARD DIZON | THE CAVALIER DAILY

Former Law student Johnathan Perkins was tried and acquitted for an Honor code violation in 2011 for recanting a claim of harassment by University Police.

harmful due to their race and continuing to question the facts of a story.

“Not only do I hope people will believe people of color when we … share these negative experiences, but … in cases where something doesn’t make sense, where all of sudden a young man says nevermind the police actually didn’t do anything … I hope my story calls people to be even just a little bit more open minded and questioning about those kinds of instances,” Perkins said.

Mazrui also commented on how Perkins’ story demonstrates the repercussions for speaking out against authority and the need to scrutinize all aspects of a situation.

“This shows that … people get punished in ways if they dare speak out against people who’ve abused their power against them,” Forde-Mazrui said. “I think Johnthan experienced the risk of speaking out against police … I think it’s helping to correct that and actually show maybe in the future we shouldn’t jump to the police’s side either in situations.”

Forde-Mazrui said he spoke with a number of students in the Black Law Student Association

about Perkins’ story. After discussing it, some expressed an interest in having Perkins come and speak to them. The meeting has yet to occur but Perkins said he is looking forward to speaking with Law students. He said he is eager to mend the disconnect that formed between him and the black community, particularly black law students, following his 2011 recantation and reputation as a liar and “race-baiter.”

“There was this very palpable sense … that I had betrayed [the black community] and that is a sense that I can’t blame the black community for because they were, again, going off what was being reported in the newspaper, they didn’t have any reason to doubt what they were reading,” Perkins said. “One of my biggest concerns was that other people of color wouldn’t be taken seriously when they made these complaints or allegations against law enforcement. So to the extent that I can repair my kind of personal relationship with the Black Law student community, I’m so excited to and eager to.”

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NEWS • www.cavalierdaily.com

Softball field planned for Lambeth Field stirs controversy Announcement causes concerns over issues affecting surrounding neighborhood Hannah Gavin and Hailey Ross | Senior Writer and News Editor Newly-formed plans to construct a softball stadium for the women’s varsity softball team at Lambeth Field have proven to be controversial, as some students and local residents say they believe the University has excluded them from the planning process for the proposed project. The University’s Board of Visitors will be discussing the plans — which are in the early stages of development — at a meeting Thursday.

In interviews with The Cavalier Daily, several residents of the surrounding neighborhood on University Circle and student residents of Lambeth Field Apartments have voiced concerns about what they say has been a lack of consultation with students and the local community in the University’s development of these plans.

Charles Marsh, a Religious Studies professor who lives on University Circle, said the decision to construct the stadium at Lambeth Field excluded input from students and the community, and also failed to address important issues that would affect the surrounding neighborhood if constructed.

“We are frankly aghast by the news and scrambling to understand how such a consequential decision was made without student involvement, community dialogue, or studies evaluating noise, lighting, parking or property value impact,” Marsh said in an email to The Cavalier Daily. “The stadium will undoubtedly cause great disruption to residents of Lambeth [Field] Apartments and the surrounding neighborhoods.”

The current plans propose that the bleachers would be placed against the Lambeth Field Apartments and the outfield would be located near the University Circle neighborhood. Additionally, the parking lot at Lambeth Field would be replaced with a green space.

The design would place home base by the railroad tracks and the first base line would run parallel to the railroad tracks.

Some students living in the Lambeth Field Apartments have expressed frustration with the implications of constructing a stadium at this location.

“I think for many Lambeth residents, one of the reasons they like Lambeth so much is because the space is there,” said Matthew Healy, a second-year College student and Lambeth resident. “If there’s no Lambeth Field and no parking lot, I don’t see why anybody would live at Lambeth anymore.”

Healy said that he, along with four other Lambeth residents and a senior resident in Lambeth, met with University officials involved with the project last week.

“I went into the meeting thinking they were going to ask how we were

COURTESY UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA

The design for the new softball field would place home base by the railroad tracks with the first base line running parallel to the tracks.

going to feel about it and just trying to get our perspective,” Healy said. “They did listen to our input and concerns, but at the same time it’s kind of late to listen to people’s concerns when they already have a plan scheduled to present it to the Board of Visitors for a vote.”

Approximately 30 University Circle Neighborhood Association members met Sunday afternoon with University officials to further discuss the decision to build the softball stadium.

University Circle residents were presented with a feasibility study conducted over one month ago, which concluded the softball stadium would be able to fit in the Lambeth Field area. No details of the feasibility study were released.

“We asked repeatedly for details, and the only answer we could get was the feasibility study indicated that a stadium could be built there,” Marsh said.

Marsh said in an email statement to the Cavalier Daily that he and his neighbors asked multiple times for a cost estimate to construct the softball stadium but the University Architect would not provide a figure. The Cavalier Daily reached out to the University Sunday evening for a cost estimate, but did not receive a figure by press time.

Marsh said the feasibility study will be presented to the Board of Visitors Thursday, and they will use the findings of the feasibility study to decide whether to move forward with plans to begin design the stadium.

Marsh said the University officials at the meeting told them a donor — whose name was not given — is providing the funds to construct the stadium in order to move the softball field closer to Central Grounds.

Members from the Athletics Department, the Office of the Architect and University Community Relations met with leaders from University Circle and Venable neighborhoods Nov. 1 to discuss the construction proposal and hear their concerns for the first time.

In an email to The Cavalier Daily, University Spokesperson Matt Charles said that the purpose of the meeting was “to provide an overview of the proposed project and to hear their concerns so that the University could incorporate this feedback into the development of the design.”

The University claims it is still finalizing plans for constructing the softball stadium and intends to take steps to address concerns regarding light, sound and traffic — the main issues students and neighbors have raised.

“The University is only in the beginning stages of site planning and still needs to select and hire a consultant for the design,” Charles said. “We will be using state-of-the-art, full cut-off lighting, and a research-focused and limited audio system. A traffic impact study will also be conducted.”

Karen Dougald, president of the University Circle Neighborhood Association, has lived in the neighborhood for 42 years with her husband, a

former architecture professor. She said the members from the University she met with in November did not ask for her approval of the stadium construction and instead presented the plans they had for the project.

“It kind of took me by surprise because I didn’t know they had gone through such finite types of things that they were getting down to doing,” Dougald said. “It almost sounds like no matter what we say this is going to be done.”

Dougald said she was unconvinced by the University’s assurance that the stadium would not cause noise issues for surrounding neighbors.

“I had to tell them I didn’t believe them. I had to see for myself,” Dougald said. “I need to experience what it’s like.”

Marsh said he believes the University disregarded the needs of students and neighbors who would be affected by the construction of the stadium.

“We have never seen a U.Va. administration proceed with a building project without any concern for student or community input,” Marsh said.

Marsh said he hopes the University will reconsider the project to construct the field. In an email to University Architect Alice Raucher and others, Marsh said a failure to do so would likely harm the University’s reputation.

“I cannot think of a worse idea, or a more invasive and disruptive plan, for university-community relations,” Marsh said. “As an alum of U.Va. and member of the faculty, I ask you to re-

consider this plan, if indeed you have already approved it, before it becomes a public relations disaster.”

Charles told The Cavalier Daily in an interview on Friday that he has met with representatives from both sides of the construction plans, including Raucher and neighborhood residents.

The University originally had plans to renovate the existing softball field, but those plans changed when the renovations would not allow the team to host major collegiate championships.

“It turned out that even with the renovations we had anticipated, we could not get that softball field up to competition level, which means we would never be able to host the ACC,” Charles said. “We would never be able to host the NCAA.” Charles also said that stadium nuisances should be mitigated with new advancements in technology such as directional lighting, and utilizing the Culbreth parking garage so there wouldn’t be people parking in neighborhoods.

The construction of the softball field will be discussed in the upcoming Board of Visitors Building and Grounds Committee meeting Thursday. Additional neighborhood association meetings have yet to be scheduled.

Bryanna Miller, a fourth-year College student and the student member of the Board of Visitors, did not respond to a request for comment sent to her Sunday afternoon.

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MONDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2017

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Cavalier Daily elects editors for 129th term Third-year College student Tim Dodson elected Editor-in-Chief Ankita Satpathy | Senior Writer The Cavalier Daily held its elections for the 129th term Saturday, with uncontested managing board elections for editor-in-chief, managing editor and chief financial officer.

Third-year College student Tim Dodson was elected editor-in-chief.

He previously served as the paper’s managing editor and was a news editor before that.

Dodson, a Charlottesville native, emphasized that the public service mission of journalism will guide his term.

“The public service component of journalism is really crucial to what we do in the way that we serve the University and Charlottesville community, and I want to see that reflected not just in our literary content, but in all aspects of the paper, including the subjective side as well as our operations and our platforms,” Dodson said.

Dodson also said he hopes to focus on engaging with readers through e-newsletters, increasing the paper’s presence on Snapchat and other social media platforms such as Facebook Live and encouraging a greater focus on using The Cavalier Daily’s existing platforms in innovative ways.

Third-year College student Ben Tobin was elected managing editor.

Prior to being elected to the new role, Tobin served as one of two assistant managing editors. As managing editor, Tobin will oversee all objective literary sections of the paper.

Third-year College student Nate Bolon was elected to serve as the chief financial officer. Bolon previously served as the advertising manager.

Third-year College student Avishek Pandey won the role of operations manager in a contested election.

Pandey served as a video editor for the past term.

Third-year College student Jake Lichtenstein will serve as the next executive editor, and also won the role in a contested election. Lichtenstein is currently an opinion columnist and is a former member of The Cavalier Daily’s Editorial Board, which he will now oversee.

Mike Reingold, the paper’s outgoing editor-in-chief and a fourth-year College student, said the 128th Managing Board focused on improving The Cavalier Daily’s exterior, internal processes, financial stability and reputation, and he hopes the 129th term

will build on this progress.

“The next managing board can continue to improve upon those internal processes and build upon a lot of the external looks and content that we’ve improved upon,” Reingold said.

“Additionally, financially, we’ve made steps to ensure financial continuity, financial stability and increase our reputation with advertisers, and the next managing board has the opportunity to continue that strong progress and keep moving The Cavalier Daily forward financially and editorially.”

The Cavalier Daily amended its Board of Directors structure this year to include alumni members and the former editor-in-chief.

Several literary elections went uncontested, though a few were highly contested.

Second-year College student Gracie Kreth and third-year College and Curry student Alexis Gravely were elected to serve as the paper’s assistant managing editors.

Second-year College students Kate Bellows and Maggie Servais will serve as News editors in the upcoming term.

Third-year Commerce student Alec Dougherty and third-year Col-

lege and Batten student Jake Blank will serve as the new Sports editors.

Third-year Commerce student Julie Bond was re-elected to her role as Life editor, and will serve in this position along with first-year College student Natalie Seo as her co-editor.

Second-year College student Dan Goff will continue his role as Arts and Entertainment editor, along with third-year College student Thomas Roades.

Second-year College student Abby Clukey will serve as Focus editor.

Second-year College student Tina Chai and third-year College student Ruhee Shah will serve as the new Health and Science editors.

Second-year College student Yuqi Cheng and second-year College student Burgard Lu will serve as Translation editors.

Second-year College student Brendan Novak was re-elected as Opinion editor and second-year College student Jacob Asch will be the section’s co-editor.

Second-year College student Veronica Sirotic will serve as the next Humor editor.

Third-year College student Mira

du Plessis will serve as the next Cartoon editor.

Third-year Architecture student Mark Felice, second-year College student Sonia Gupta and second-year Architecture student Zach Beim will serve as Production editors. First-year College student Matt Gillam and first-year College Aisha Singh will serve as print Graphics editors.

Second-year College student Sarah Lindamood and second-year College student Christina Anton will serve as the next Photo editors.

Second-year College student Aidan McWeeny will serve as the next Video editor.

Second-year College student Ashley Botkin will continue her role as Social Media manager along with second-year College student Libby Scully.

Third-year College Katie Vinson will serves as the next Engineering manager.

First-year College student Avantika Mehra will serve as the next Advertising manager.

The new term will officially start Jan. 19.

Batten class awards grants to help Charlottesville housing Over $100,000 awarded to Charlottesville nonprofit organizations Sydney Bradley | Senior Writer The Frank Batten School of Leadership and Public Policy hosted an awards ceremony for the grants given out by the class “Foundations, NGO’s and Public Policy” last Friday. The grants this year were focused on Charlottesville housing issues.

The class is taught and organized

by Paul Martin, assistant professor of public policy, and Grey McLean, lecturer of public policy and director of the Adiuvans Foundation.

The Batten class gave over $100,000 to seven different nonprofits in the Charlottesville area. Of these seven grants, two capacity grants were supported by the Once Upon a Time Foundation and five were funded by the Adiuvans Foundation.

The Adiuvans Foundation is a private foundation based in Charlottesville which established the Adiuvans Relief Fund that provides support to local nonprofits to address food insecurity, affordable housing and health. The fund provides primarily to organizations located in central Virginia. The foundation sponsored most of the grants awarded to the local organizations.

The PPOL 4725 class is tasked with advising the Adiuvans Foundation

on awarding the grants, but the foundation has the final decision on recipients.

“On the goals of the class, I’d say that at the broadest level, we try to show the students the role that nonprofit organizations play within the policy arena,” Martin said about the organizations involved with the course. “They are front-line implementers of a significant amount of social policy — they are problem-definers who help communities understand and confront problems and they are lead advocates for policy changes.”

At the event in Garrett Hall, students, faculty and local coordinators attended a lunch and subsequent ceremony. Among the attendees and grant recipients were the Salvation Army, the Piedmont Housing Alliance, Habitat for Humanity, the Legal Aid Justice Center, Virginia Supportive Housing and The Haven.

The Salvation Army provides hot meals, emergency overnight shelter and support for housing for residents in Charlottesville who are in poverty and in need and received $7,000 at the event. The Piedmont Housing Alliance, which received $18,000, works directly with the re-

development of Friendship Court, a public housing community near downtown Charlottesville. PHAR, the Public Housing Association of Residents, received a $5,000 capacity grant.

Habitat for Humanity, which has been involved in redeveloping the Southwood community trailer park, received $12,000. The Legal Aid Justice Center received $18,000 and has focused on gentrification and various issues surrounding race, justice and fair housing. Virginia Supportive Housing has been working with the Crossings, a homeless community, and received $14,000.

The Haven is another shelter in Charlottesville, but operates during the day and provides local residents in poverty with showers, storage, a physical mailing address, laundry and food. The Haven received $14,000 from the Adiuvan Foundation in addition to money from the capacity grant, which awarded them $15,000.

The Haven’s Executive Director, Stephen Hitchcock, expressed The Haven’s excitement for these grants and explained how this money will benefit the lives of the homeless people it works with.

“For us, it's a way of bolstering that front door, that point of entry to the homeless system of care,” Hitchcock said about the grant money. “And then the second part is really a way of making sure that as a continuum of organizations we have the ability to respond in real time to the needs and make choices that are intervening in the crisis in real time.”

Hitchcock also described the experience of working with University students as “uniquely wonderful and terrifying.”

“It's unique because generally I do that kind of research when I am going to write a grant to funder,” Hitchcock said. “It's strange for that funder to do that to you.”

Hitchcock said he and The Haven are grateful to have passionate and educated students impact the work of the organization because it challenges The Haven to rethink and improve.

Third-year College student Maddie Curry was a keynote speaker at the event. She discussed how this class has shaped her academic career as a Global Development Studies major and as a Charlottesville and University community member.

“This class has been so impor-

tant to my general undergraduate education because it focuses directly on the problem of housing in Charlottesville,” Curry said. “Personally, I didn't really know about the gravity of the problem before i joined this class.”

With the University being a top employer in the area, it plays a pivotal role in the economy and housing affordability of Charlottesville.

“The University is the largest employer in the [Charlottesville] community, so something that really angered me this semester was that the University doesn’t pay people enough,” Curry said.

Fourth-year Batten student Caleb Karnes said University students often have more influence in the housing crisis than they may initially think.

“Every year that [the University] grows or over-enrolls students is a year that we expand further into the Charlottesville community,” he said.

“There is a limited number of housing units available within the city, and those that are available are too expensive for many people.”

This Batten class is open to all students enrolled at the University and has been a longstanding course.

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LIFE

1.

University Bicentennial

The bicentennial was kind of a big deal. I mean, it only comes around once every 200 years. It brought hordes of people to Grounds, much to my annoyance as a weird, little hermit who prefers small crowds. Things were super chaotic, especially with the added security measures. Just getting to the event was hard.

On the bright side, the Thomas Jefferson impersonator was super cool, and the finale with the light show and the marching band got everyone hype. Just maybe shorten the whole thing for the next centennial celebration because no one stayed for the poor Goo Goo Dolls at the end.

2.

6.

Ashley Botkin | Top 10 Writer

Bowl game

I still can’t believe we’re going to a bowl game for the first time since 2011. After years and years of failure, I never thought we’d get out of this rut, but Bronco Mendenhall is doing a great job pulling this team out of the trash can. Next year is sure to be a challenge with Kurt Benkert’s absence, but let’s face it — he was the reason I finally learned what a pick six was because he threw so many of them. So let’s rein that in a little, and maybe in 15 years or so we’ll be ready to beat Tech again.

The mumps

Why are we even having problems with mumps?

Where do they even come from? If I contracted mumps, I would literally have no idea that I got it because I’m pretty much always tired and my body hurts quite often.

So get your vaccines, people! If not for the health of other people then for the potential cut you’d have to take to your party schedule if you contracted the disease.

7.

Sheetz on the Corner

Not everyone was happy with a big company buying a building on the Corner, but Sheetz is a gift for college students everywhere. Their made-to-order food is cheap, delicious and fast. The combinations are endless. You can literally put mozzarella sticks on your sandwich if you’re feeling crazy. Mess that thing up with boom boom sauce. You order on a touch screen which is fun and eliminates human contact, which is always a plus in my book. Keep on being amazing, Sheetz. I’ll keep your doors open if no one else will.

3.

LOTL

This might be a hot take, but this was not the best Lighting

of the Lawn I’ve ever seen. I was expecting something really big after the light show at the end of the bicentennial celebration, but this felt like a dud. There were no lasers and the songs left much to be desired.

There were so many bops from this year that could’ve been chosen!

People would have lost their freaking minds if ‘Mi Gente,’ ‘Congratulations’ or ‘Bodak Yellow’ were played, but at the same time, it would have been kind of terrifying to see all the drunks get even crazier than they already were.

4.

Democrats sweep Virginia

After the election of Donald Trump, it seemed as if Virginia was holding its breath in the upcoming gubernatorial election between Republican Ed Gillespie and Democrat Ralph Northam.

There were phone calls, fliers and commercials everywhere you looked. Northam had commercials detailing his success as a doctor and a veteran while Gillespie reminded us all that he knew how to pour a beer, park cars and carry four plates at once. On Nov. 7, it was announced that Northam won the election and came out with 84.79 percent of votes in the City of Charlottesville.

5.

New University president

T. Sully has had quite a rough presidential term. She was

hired, fired and then rehired. People have protested outside her house, and she got a lot of heat for her response to the Aug. 11 and 12 alt-right rallies. I would be ready to retire too, but I’m also a weenie. Whether she’s made mistakes or not, you have to admit she has a tough skin. Now, we have a fancy-schmancy Dean of the Harvard Graduate School of Education as our next president, but don’t worry — T. Sully will still be around as a tenured professor.

8.

Statue debacle

What a mess — am I right? Some people think we should remove the Robert E. Lee statue from Emancipation Park because it represents a history of racism and oppression.

Some people counter that argument by saying removing the statue would be erasing important history and heritage. Now the statue is covered up by a giant tarp, and I honestly have no idea how they found one that big.

9.Protests, protests and more protests

I feel like there have been more protests and counter protests this year than ever before. It all started with the alt-right march on Grounds on Aug. 11 and the following ‘Unite the Right’ protest in Emancipation Park the next day. This semester has seen various protests, like one against the decision to end DACA, students kneeling at football games and banners at the Bicentennial that read “200 Years of White Supremacy.” As you can see, we’re still working through some issues.

10.

Varsity squash

Let’s be real — I have no idea how squash is played except that there are two people in a little room smacking a ball off the wall. Would I be more inclined to learn about the game if it were played with an actual squash? Absolutely. Why is it even called squash if there isn’t a real squash involved? What I do know is that it’s the kind of game that rich doctors and lawyers are always playing on ‘Law & Order.’

GRAPHICS COURTESY AMBER LIU AND THE UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA

www.cavalierdaily.com • LIFE

MONDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2017

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Forbes ‘30 under 30’ recognizes five U.Va alumni Virginia graduates Zaveri, Berstein, Follet, Martin and Eisenfrats are doing big things Katie Nicholson, Faith Schweikert, Neha Kulkarni and Natalie Seo | Feature Writers On Nov. 14, Forbes released its reputed “30 Under 30” list for 2018, recognizing a group of young entrepreneurs excelling in various projects and ventures. This year, five University

time in life [than right now] to do it,” Bernstein said. “What’s the worst that could happen? If the absolute worst is that you go back to U.Va and you’re back to where you were before —

alumni made the lists, including Muzzammil Zaveri, Sam Bernstein, Chelsea Follett, Jeremy Martin and Kevin Eisenfrats.

you’ve missed a year … Do it anyway.”

Jeremy Martin Among the five University alumni who made it into Forbes’ 30 Under 30 lists is Jeremy Martin. Martin and fellow co-owner Chase Damiano were featured in the Food & Drink category.

Martin is currently the Director of Finance and Investor Relations at Commonwealth Joe Coffee Roasters.

Martin recalled finding out that he and Damiano had made the list.

“Everything stopped for those few moments,” Martin said.

Martin graduated from the University in 2009 with a dual major in systems engineering and economics.

He initially became involved with CWJ when a few University alumni connected him to the company’s current CEO, Robert Peck, who is also a University’s alumnus. Martin started off giving financial advice to CWJ, but later joined the company in 2014 full-time as one of its directors.

“I learned about the company, its mission, the level of passion that was there,” Martin said. “After another year of working in investment banking and eventually being promoted, I actually turned it in down and joined [CWJ].”

One of Martin’s favorite aspects of working at CWJ is not only its mission to provide quality and fresh coffee, but also how involved the company is with its customers.

“That engagement with customers and prospective customers is super rewarding when they're drinking something so different from what they're used to like a Keurig or drip coffee,” Martin said. “And they have that a-ha moment and you get to experience that with them.”

Peck lauds Martin’s contributions to CWJ, citing Martin’s efforts in leading the company’s expansion into New York City and his financial expertise.

“There is no way [CWJ] would be where we are without [Martin and Damiano],” Peck said.

At the end of the day, however, Martin reflected on how his accomplishment of being featured on Forbes’ was not about him.

“It's about Commonwealth Joe being presented in a very positive way, with the ability to continue gaining traction within both D.C. and New York, and capture the attention of the audience across the rest of the country,” Martin said.

COURTESY U.NIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA

This year, five University alumni made the Forbes “30 Under 30” lists, including Muzzammil Zaveri, Sam Bernstein, Chelsea Follett, Jeremy Martin and Kevin Eisenfrats.

Muzzammil Zaveri As undergraduates studying computer science, Muzzammil Zaveri and Ethan Fast built the friendship and academic foundation that would help them start Proxino, a company aiming to detect errors in Javascript for developers. Y Combinators, a major seed venture capitalist firm, invested in their company and Zaveri moved to West Coast.

“Eventually, I ended up on the venture side,” Zaveri said. “I wouldn’t call it accidentally, but it was sort of a by-product of that.”

Zaveri has invested in companies like Tile, Vurb and Weebly. In 2015, he joined one of the oldest and most prestigious venture capital firms in Silicon Valley, Kleiner, Perkins, Caufield & Byers. His smart investing led him to be named on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list for Venture Capitalism.

“It’s a great recognition for the work he's done and his leadership in the venture community, and terrific to see one of our graduates honored this way,” David Evans, professor of computer science, said in an email statement. “Muzzammil has a great entrepreneurial mindset, and has helped lots of interesting companies grow.”

Zaveri stressed the importance of pursuing passion and making positive use of free time while studying as an undergraduate.

“There’s nothing like being in a setting where you can make mistakes and explore interests,” he said. “Doing something that you’re strictly passionate about may not be the most pro-

ductive — you can explore interests and area that you might be passionate about and that can be a great springboard into your own career, or whatever you decide to pursue in life after school.”

Zaveri believes he was very lucky with the connections he made at the University, especially with meeting his co-founder, Ethan Fast. He credits Evans, his advisor with empowering him with knowledge and encouraging him to learn more about tech startups. “[Evans] really encouraged and spent time diving into startups and exploring some of my interests in building side projects,” he said. “And through that I met my co-founder [Ethan Fast] and ultimately, we ended up starting Proxino together.”

Sam Bernstein When Sam Bernstein first stepped into a leasing office in Charlottesville during his first year, he was shocked by the disorganization and the apparent frenzy to find a place to live surrounding the University. Most students accept the disarray, sign the paper and move on. But Bernstein wasn’t most students.

He is the co-founder and CEO of the online rental search site LoftSmart, and as of November 14, a 2018 Forbes 30 under 30 honoree in the category of Consumer Technology. His company, which is co-founded by Sundeep Kumar, aims “to create transparency” about local rental listings by allowing users to search, review and lease rental properties in 28 college markets across

the country.

Bernstein, who left the University after the fall semester of his third year to pursue LoftSmart and received the Thiel Fellowship for “young people who want to build new things instead of sitting in a classroom” in 2017, said, “My only regret is that I didn’t do it sooner.”

During his two and a half years at the University, he focused on entrepreneurship and furthering his ideas with the assistance of visiting lecturers Adam Healey and Brendan Richardson, both at the McIntire School.

Here, he developed the first platform for LoftSmart, raised his first $180,000 for the project and, ultimately, decided to leave school and run with it.

“Education is changing and more and more students are getting hungry for real world experience earlier, especially in the entrepreneurship field,” Healey said. “Sam is having an incredible learning experience, just not within the construct of a university.”

At age 23, he is one of the youngest 30 under 30 recipients in his category, but despite his age, Healey said that Sam has been the most impressive student he’s ever had. “[He is] bright, motivated, and mature beyond his years,” Healey said.

There is a risk, of course, to leaving behind the cushion of the University, but it was one that Bernstein knew he had to take. While he acknowledges that everyone takes different paths, he encourages other students looking to make a change to start now.

“There’s never going to be a better

Chelsea Follett Chelsea Follett, who earned a master’s degree in foreign affairs from the University in 2014, is currently the managing editor of HumanProgress. org. A project of the highly recognized Cato Institute, HumanProgress.org intends to “[correct] misperceptions regarding the state of humanity through the presentation of empirical data that focuses on long-term developments,” using data from sources such as the World Bank and the United Nations to foster a greater and more comprehensive understanding of the drivers and rate of human progress.

One of Follett’s earliest motivations to get involved in data driven policy and progress analysis stemmed from her courses at the University. Her class readings inspired her to think critically about data and ideas behind Human Progress.

“During my first course in foreign affairs at U.Va., we read ‘The Better Angels of Our Nature: Why Violence Has Declined’ by Steven Pinker, a professor at Harvard University,” Follett said. “That was my favorite book in that class. You could say that that was when I first came into contact with some of the ideas behind Human Progress.org.”

Follett also spoke in reverence of the education she received at the University, which she mentioned has a ‘green light rating’ from Buyer, the institute for rights and education which rates universities on freedom of speech.

“It’s still very much committed to the ideals of TJ, [and stands as] a place of inquiry,” Follett said. “I still follow Larry Sabato on Twitter, and I thought all my professors were experts in their fields — I really learned a lot from them. It was a wonderful education.”

In addition to her academics, Charlottesville’s internship opportunities further developed Follett’s passions and interests. Follett found that her internship opportunity at the Rutherford Institute, gave her multiple perspectives that she considers integral in her work today. She strongly encourages current students to intern to find and develop career interests, as she did.

Kevin Eisenfrats The Cavalier Daily was not able to reach Kevin Eisenfrats for an interview.

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LIFE • www.cavalierdaily.com

LOVE CONNECTION

SOFIA

& CHRIS

Without bonding over Harry Potter, the date falls flat Skylar Wampler | Love Connection Writer

Sofia and Chris met Nov. 10 at 4 p.m. and went for an early dinner at Bodo's Bagels.

Chris: One of my friends did [Love Connection] two or three weeks ago, and he had a really good experience, so he kind of convinced me to sign up.

Sofia: I applied [to Love Connection] with, like, three of my roommates, and we didn't think that we were gonna get called back or anything was gonna come of it.

Chris: I’d never been on a blind date before so I thought it would definitely be something to try.

Sofia: We were kind of just using it as a joke, and then when I got the text, I was like, “Wait, I completely forgot I did this.”

Chris: We just met up on the Lawn and then went and got Bodo’s and chatted for an hour or something, and then she left to go to see [a] basketball game with her roommate.

Sofia: He was a little late, and I was low-key scared that he wasn’t going to show up — but he showed up. We got Bodo’s, and Bodo’s is always the move.

Chris: [Sofia was] nice, a little quiet I guess — reserved would be a good word to use ... and quiet but I think the more we talked the more we opened up which is always a benefit.

Sofia: It didn’t seem like we had a lot in common at first, and overall, I guess we don’t have a ton in common. But it was cool to see what we did have in common, and yet even our opinions on those things were very different.

Chris: Except for me being like 20 minutes late I don’t really think [there were any awkward moments]. It was pretty smooth over all. We have a lot of the same interests, so it was pretty easy to harp on that, and we had a pretty solid conversation going the whole time.

Sofia: We apparently read a lot of the same books growing up, like Harry Potter and that kind of stuff … He didn't think that Harry Potter was the work of art that it is and that, I don’t know, offended me and kinda threw me off.

Chris: I thought that it was good.

I think that Sofia is a very nice person that I would love to get a meal with and chat as … friends.

I was going to say human beings, but that’s a little too ambiguous.

Sofia: It was a cool meeting a different person. Not necessarily the kind of person if I was sitting

Year: Third Major: Spanish and Foreign Affairs U.Va. Involvement: Club Ultimate, Jefferson Society Hometown: Charlottesville, Va. What makes you a good catch? Can dislocate my hip on command What makes you a less-than-perfect catch? Known for slinking around like a cat at times Describe a typical weekend: Chill during the day, poison my liver at night, regret life decisions in the morning Hobbies: Reading, outdoorsing, sportsing Spirit animal: Feral cat potentially. Fox maybe.

Ideal date personality: Outgoing/bats—t/quirky Favorite pick-up line: Are you my appendix? cuz idk how you work, but I have this feeling in my gut that I should take you out

CHRIS

Year: Second Major: Biology U.Va. Involvement: Social chair for Challah for Hunger, OYFA, WLDP Hometown: Richmond, Va. What makes you a good catch? HELLA HOT and HELLA SMART AND FUNNY What makes you a less-than-perfect catch? Too modest Describe a typical weekend: RAGE Friday and Saturday nights and eat pasta in between Hobbies: Sit outside and cry about life and also eat pasta Spirit animal: Goat … I’m a goat.

Ideal date personality: Socially awk and adorable Favorite pick-up line: Are you copper and tellurium? Because you’re CuTe

across from I would sit next to and try to be friends with, just because I didn't get that vibe, but he ended up being pretty cool.

Chris: For me, friends and acquaintances have two different connotations. I think friends are two people that actively go out of their way to hang out with one another and I think acquaintances are just people that you see around and you say, “Hi.” You’re friendly and amicable and you

talk, but you never really make an active effort to hang out. Using that definition I think that there’s definitely the opportunity for friendship, but I think that right now we are acquaintances.

Sofia: I would definitely recommend doing Love Connection just because I think it’s a really cool idea. Like, stranger sets you up with a stranger and you kinda have to decide what to do on the spot. I think it’s a really fun

SOFIA idea. If you’re looking for “the one,” that might not be the way to find them, but if you’re looking for something fun to do, why not?

Chris: I think that I would give it a solid 7.5 for lovely company, a great attitude and good food.

Sofia: I'm gonna give it a 6.5. It just feels like a solid number, you know. We had like a really awkward hug goodbye — one of the one-armed hugs — but it was a hug goodbye, so clearly it wasn’t

horrible … It wasn’t a seven because then we’re getting into the ‘I really enjoyed it’ level.

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MONDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2017

9

The Alley Light — Charlottesville’s secret eatery The word is out on C’ville’s hidden French lounge Tucker Wilson | Food Columnist A walk on the Downtown Mall can put on display just how expansive Charlottesville’s food scene really is. Among the brick pathways are dozens of restaurants competing for your patronage. Neon signs, grand entryways, smiling hosts and hostesses — these restaurants hope to draw you in off the street and into their often-bustling interiors. But what if there was a restaurant that intentionally hid itself away — a high-end, exclusive eatery where you have to know someone just to get a table and the only way to enter is to know the secret code?

Charlottesville’s The Alley Light may not provide that exact fantasy, but it certainly gets close. Tucked away in an alleyway off an alleyway on the mall, The Alley Light does not compete with the neon signage just a few feet away.

Instead, it is marked only by a

single white light above its doorway, encased in a wrought-iron lantern — if the light is on, that’s the signal to head inside. Tucked away above another restaurant and up a flight of stairs of its own, The Alley Light is dripping with a feeling of secrecy.

Once properly greeted by your host, who waits in the hallway, patrons are led into a room radiating casual elegance.

Traditional tables and chairs are pushed up against intimate lounge areas, and the dark room is washed in golden light coming from a bar that spans an entire wall. A low ceilinged, windowless room — The Alley Light has the quiet energy of an inside joke and walking inside is like joining an exclusive club.

One thing The Alley Light hasn’t managed to keep quiet, however, is the quality of their food.

In the tapas-style French

lounge, expect to be eating deliciously creamy pâtés and smoky aged meats and cheeses. Tapas sizes can vary, from smaller plates to be eaten selfishly to large portions for the whole table. Like any self-respecting French restaurant, the wine list is roughly double the size of the main menu, featuring prominently local wines from the surrounding area. The restaurant features a full service bar and standing area, packing the house on its busiest of nights. I would definitely recommend calling ahead for a weekend dinner — it seems word may be spreading about The Alley Light’s secret allure.

I have a bit of a love affair with tapas. Besides simply being the newest, hippest way to indecisively order almost everything on the menu, tapas lend themselves to an experience beyond just the dining. Tapas are about sharing and being adventurous,

with more room for those riskier dishes on the menu. They invite you to talk to your server and craft a dining experience that a traditional appetizer-entrée style just can’t compete with.

And, of course, The Alley Light pulls off tapas expertly and with uniquely French flair. Dishes combine savory and sweet, like carpaccio with lemon or foie gras over cooked pears and sweetbread. Smoky, savory chickpea spread with sliced chorizo was a personal highlight, and we rounded off our dinner with a melt-in-your-mouth pork belly over crispy sweet apples. Like the atmosphere itself, the food is casually elegant. Flavors are both playful with accents of sweetness yet feature complexity with unexpected combinations.

I think this running undercurrent of combining sweet and savory, playful with serious, is in the foie gras. While delicious,

foie gras’ rich, fatty flavor is a staple on a French menu. However, adding in a syrupy sweet pear preserve and an assortment of bright, vinaigrette soaked vegetables brought much needed freshness to a very standard plate. The Alley Light excels in fun with its cooking, and its unique flavor combinations kept me wanting more.

I hope I haven’t ruined the secret, but I couldn’t resist talking about this restaurant any longer.

The hidden stairwell, the ever-changing specialty menu, the swanky but industrial decor — The Alley Light feels like the best kept secret in the city. Word may be out about The Alley Light, but it hasn’t seen even the slightest quality drop because of it. Join the club just by knowing where to look, and take a walk under the alley light.

The quest for the best ramen noodles Your stomach and your wallet will thank you Sadie Goodman | Food Columnist Cup Noodles are a savior of college students everywhere. The warm, delicious and somewhat filling meal is easy to make and easy on the wallet. But the classic Cup Noodles — the ones sold in every grocery store and gas station — isn’t always the healthiest option. So, I wanted to explore the world of ramen noodles beyond the styrofoam cup. I found four different types of chicken ramen noodle soup and set up a comparison on five different fronts: taste, price, cooking time, sodium content and calorie count.

First up — Dr. McDougall’s vegan ramen with chicken flavor.

Found at Whole Foods, this soup is adequate, definitely nothing special. It’s relatively easy to cook, but the results aren’t astonishing.

The best part of this soup is the fact that it's vegan. The flavor isn’t great, and I usually end up adding salt or pepper to enhance the taste.

Taste: 1/5 Price: $2.29 Cooking time: Two minutes and 45 seconds Sodium Content: 580 mg Calorie Count: 180 Next is the classic Nissin Cup Noodles in the chicken flavor.

This soup that I picked up from the CVS and boasts a whopping 1070 mg of sodium, which is 45 percent of your daily value! While this soup is delicious, it could cause problems for those allergic to shellfish and other fish products — weird for a chicken soup.

By far the least healthy soup of the bunch, it has 100 calories more than the next-highest calorie soup and an incredible amount of sodium. This soup tastes good and doesn’t require a microwave, which is a perk, but it’s distinctive taste is far from natural or nutritious. This soup is a good cheap option and a good meal in a pinch, but it usually leaves you feeling overly salted and not quite satisfied.

Taste: 2/4 Price: $1.19 (Winner!)

Cooking time: No microwave needed Sodium Content: 1070 mg Calorie Count: 290 Dr. McDougall also has a gluten free option with his Rice Ramen in the sesame chicken flavor.

Its sodium count is the lowest of the bunch. I cooked these noodles in the microwave for two minutes and 30 seconds as opposed to the suggested one minute and 45 sec-

onds because the noodles were still stiff. I let them rest covered for five minutes in order to cool down and to allow the noodles to absorb the flavor from the seasoning packet. After the five minutes the noodles were soft and the broth was full of flavor. I was happily surprised with these noodles, they had a lot of flavor but weren’t overly salty. This healthy option was a great surprise.

Taste: 3/4 Price: $2 Cooking time: 2:30 (Winner!)

Sodium Content: 560 mg (Winner!)

Calorie Count: 140 (Winner!)

Mike’s Mighty Good craft ramen with chicken flavor was also a Whole Foods find. This soup has the best flavor of the bunch.

It comes with a flavor packet and a packet of oil to add a little extra flavor and depth to the cup of noodles. This soup takes an extra few seconds to cook but it pays off. The flavor is natural and rich, and the noodles have a great texture. It doesn’t leave you feeling like you downed a bucket of saltwater.

Taste: 4/4 Price: $2.49 Cooking time: 3:00

COURTESY SADIE GOODMAN

The classic Cup Noodles — the ones sold in every grocery store and gas station — aren’t always the healthiest option.

Sodium Content: 740 mg Calorie Count: 190 Though Mike’s Mighty Good chicken ramen had the best flavor, I’d say the real winner is Dr. McDougall’s gluten free Rice Ramen in the sesame chicken flavor because of its low sodium content, calorie count and cooking time.

While cup noodles are delicious for a quick microwave meal, nothing beats the real thing — Urban Bowl on the Downtown Mall has

many delicious combinations of Pho and rice bowls and is perfect for a quick study break.

S

THE CAVALIER DAILY

SPORTS

June 30

Virginia sports semester in review Looking back at a timeline of notable Cavalier sports events

Men’s and women’s squash added as varsity sports

Virginia Director of Athletics Craig Littlepage announced that Virginia would be adding men’s and women’s squash as varsity sport programs, becoming the first Power Five school to sponsor men’s squash, and the only Power Five school other than Stanford to sponsor a women’s squash program. While collegiate squash is not an NCAA-sponsored sport, it is governed by the College Squash Association. Both the Virginia men’s and women’s squash teams had previously been competing as club sports. The squash teams compete at the McArthur Squash Center, which will undergo a nine-million dollar expansion which was approved under the Board of Visitors’ capital project list.

Oct. 22

Carla Williams named new Virginia Director of Athletics

University President Teresa Sullivan announced Carla Williams as successor to Craig Littlepage. Williams served as the deputy athletic director for the University of Georgia, and has been involved in the athletics administration at Georgia for the past 13 years. Williams will be the first female African-American athletic director at a Power Five school and the fifth active female athletics director at the Power Five level. Williams played basketball for Georgia before playing professionally for one year in Spain and then rejoined the program to serve as assistant coach. She then moved into athletics administration, completing her Ph.D. in sport administration at Florida State.

Nov. 24

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Virginia football breaks records

In Virginia football’s annual matchup against rival Virginia Tech, senior quarterback Kurt Benkert broke Virginia’s single-season passing record.

Although the Cavaliers failed to put points on the board in a dismal 10-0 loss to the Hokies, Benkert sealed the record with a 51-yard pass to senior wide receiver Andre Levrone to reach his 280th completion of the season. Benkert became the first Virginia player to reach 3,000 passing yards in a season. On Oct. 28 against Pittsburgh, senior safety Quin Blanding broke the Virginia record for tackles completed in a season.

Blanding recorded 436 tackles to break the record, which was previously held by Jamie Sharper, who played for Virginia from 1993-96.

BECCA GOODHART | THE CAVALIER DAILY

Sept.

5

Craig Littlepage announced retirement as Virginia Director of Athletics

Littlepage was the first African-American athletic director in the ACC and oversaw the University’s athletic department since 2001. Under Littlepage’s direction, Virginia saw its most successful athletics era, winning seven NCAA team championships and 53 ACC championships during the period from 2002 to 2012. Student-athletes also saw success in the classroom, as during this period Virginia graduated 93 percent of student-athletes who completed their eligibility. During the 2016-17 academic year, 323 athletes were named to the 2016-17 ACC Academic Honor Roll. The construction of John Paul Jones Arena also occurred during Littlepage’s tenure.

Nov. 4

Virginia football became bowl eligible

Virginia football became bowl eligible, reaching six wins with a 40-36 victory over Georgia Tech. The Cavaliers punched their ticket to a bowl berth for the first time since 2011. After moving to 5-1 after the first six games in the season, which included a surprising win over Boise State, Virginia lost two in a row against ACC foes Boston College and Pittsburgh. In what was a rainy, chilly affair, the Cavaliers earned their win over Georgia Tech by overcoming two deficits, rallying from being down 15 points in the third quarter, and taking the lead again after being down by three points in the fourth quarter. Sunday, Dec. 3, it was announced that Virginia will face Navy in the Military Bowl presented by Northrop Grumman, which will take place Thursday, Dec. 28 in Annapolis, Md.

Dec. 2

Virginia men’s basketball gets off to a hot start

Virginia men’s basketball has jumped out to a tie for first in the Atlantic Coast Conference after starting undefeated with a 8-0 record. The Cavaliers, who began the season unranked, have moved up in the AP men’s basketball rankings to No. 18, and are expected to move up further after this week’s victories over Wisconsin and Lehigh. Virginia is led by sophomore guard Kyle Guy, who is averaging 16.6 points per game. The Cavaliers have been demonstrating their signature Tony Bennett pack-line defense, and held Wisconsin to their lowest point total since 2011, keeping the Badgers to only 37 points Monday, Nov. 27. Virginia faces off against No. 19 West Virginia Tuesday before the break for final exams.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2017

www.cavalierdaily.com • SPORTS

11

LUCAS HALSE | THE CAVALIER DAILY

THE CAVALIER DAILY

O

LEAD EDITORIAL

Continue the pursuit of progress

OPINION

W

12

Despite an oftentimes troubling semester, there is abundant cause to be hopeful for the future

ith classes wrapping up and students gearing up for final examinations, the University community is bidding farewell to a bittersweet semester. Throughout the last four months, University students and faculty have enjoyed moments of hope and witnessed terrible tragedy. We celebrated memorable events such as the Bicentennial Launch, and suffered from the re-emergence of divisive and hateful rhetoric by white su-

premacists. This reemergence, however, has been met with strong opposition and objection by our community — a response which has been not only impactful, but unifying. This has been a heartening beacon of hope in a troubling time, and it is inspiring to see the community's continued commitment to progress.

In early August, white supremacists wielding torches marched through our city and Grounds seeking to sow fear and division into our community.

The bloody demonstration took

the lives of three people, including Charlottesville native Heather Heyer, and left a profound wound from which students, faculty and locals throughout Charlottesville continue to recover.

In a resilient counter, members of our community came together and formed a sense of solidarity and collaboration through demonstrations and events such as the “March to Reclaim Our Grounds,” the Carr’s Hill protest and A Concert for Charlottesville. This sense of unity has been an invaluable part of the healing

process for the Charlottesville community.

Students throughout the University have been increasingly active in calling out racial discrimination and inequality both within and outside our community. Student organizations staged several demonstrations throughout the semester calling for racial equality and justice — most notably by the Black Student Alliance with a 10-item list of demands, four of which have been actively implemented by the University administration.

This is not the first time our University has faced moments of adversity and hardship, and it certainly won’t be the last.

What defines us, however, is our response to these crises. Being there for each other, cultivating a sense of community, calling out inequality and engaging in civil discourse with those we disagree with are the characteristics we have demonstrated this semester.

As we move into the next semester, students must continue to lead the fight for racial justice and inclusivity.

THE CAVALIER DAILY THE CAVALIER DAILY The Cavalier Daily is a financially and editorially independent news organization staffed and managed entirely by students of the University of Virginia.

The opinions expressed in The Cavalier Daily are not necessarily those of the students, faculty, staff or administration of the University of Virginia. Unsigned editorials represent the majority opinion of the editorial board. Cartoons and columns represent the views of the authors. The managing board of The Cavalier Daily has sole authority over and responsibility for all content.

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MONDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2017

13

DISREGARD MINIMUM WAGE FEAR-MONGERING State leaders should do the right thing and raise the minimum wage in Virginia

A

fter the Democrats’ strong showing in the 2017 Virginia general election, many were optimistic that liberal priorities would be addressed.

While there are several worthy policy goals that the new administration should pursue, none seem more important or more difficult to pass than an increase in the minimum wage.

An increase is essential, because the minimum wage at current levels has lost 9.6 percent of its purchasing power due to inflation. Even though some states have elected to go higher, Virginia has decided to stay at the federal minimum, $7.25 an hour.

The resistance to increasing the minimum wage rests on faulty logic, which lawmakers espouse to avoid giving workers a much needed raise. It is essential that lawmakers look at the facts and make the effort to institute a necessary increase in the minimum wage.

One talking point against raising the minimum wage is the theory that with rising wages, there would be a subsequent increase in joblessness. This claim goes against research conducted by the National Employment Law Project, which found that after seven decades of mini-

mum wage increases there was no correlation with joblessness rates. The political fact checking site PolitiFact came to a similar conclusion when it fact checked a claim by Housing and Urban Development Secretary and former presidential candidate Dr. Ben Carson about the correla-

to problems in liberal cities which have raised their minimum wages up to $15 dollars an hour. The Wall Street Journal published an op-ed on this topic, asserting that a minimum wage this high leads restaurants to either raise prices in order to pay their workers or close their

By raising the minimum wage, lawmakers could help lift many workers out of poverty.

tion between the minimum wage and joblessness. In the article, it stated that though there is a split among economists about the issue, there is a lot of evidence to suggest that increasing the minimum wage has an insignificant effect on the jobless rate. It is unfortunate that in the face of this research, the Commonwealth of Virginia has not yet considered even a modest increase in the state minimum wage.

Another talking point against minimum wage increases point

doors. Though it is true that San Francisco did experience a spate of restaurant closures, an analysis by the East Bay Times showed that restaurants in San Francisco are actually having a hard time finding workers because of the high price of living in the city, causing low wage workers to flee to other areas. This same analysis also showed that an increase in property taxes also contributed to the closure of some of these restaurants. Meanwhile, Seattle, which also raised its minimum

wage to $15 an hour, is experiencing historically low joblessness numbers. It is clear by looking at these localities that minimum wage increases are not the cause of the problems that some localities, such as San Francisco are experiencing.

While the arguments against the minimum wage may not exactly add up, as billionaire activist Nick Hanuer said, there are many reasons why an increase would be beneficial. The main reason however, is that it can help address the problem of income inequality. Over the past few years addressing income inequality has been a top concern for lawmakers, but unfortunately they have made little progress on the issue. By raising the minimum wage, lawmakers could help lift many workers out of poverty. Addressing income inequality is important because it leads to a loss of economic growth and stability, which are detrimental to the United States economy. It is clear that at its current level, the minimum wage is not doing its job and as a result millions of workers struggle to make ends meet.

It is appalling that some argue about raising the minimum wage despite the large body of

evidence that supports it. We can argue about how raising it too quickly is a problem, but it is one that can be addressed by phasing increases in and having zones for the minimum wage like in Oregon, where expensive urban centers have a higher minimum wage increase than rural areas.

In an era when average CEO pay is about 300 times what workers are paid, it is important that lawmakers ask themselves whether American workers deserve a raise. In America, it is unacceptable that anyone working full time could be living in poverty. It is not just high school kids working minimum wage jobs, but working families who struggle to raise their children on a meager paycheck. Hopefully, one day the minimum wage will be raised at the national level, but until then we must push our newly elected leaders here in Virginia to increase the minimum wage.

JACOB ASCH is an Opinon columnist for The Cavalier Daily. He can be reached at j.asch@cavalierdaily.com.

PRESERVE TRUCK SAFETY REFORMS Exsisting requirments for truckers and comanies keep everyone safer on the road

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n Nov. 29, NPR reported on the Trump administration’s plans to roll-back certain regulatory reforms in the trucking industry made under former President Obama. The reforms under threat include a measure requiring that truckers be tested for sleep apnea and a plan to mandate speed-limiting devices in all large trucks. Several other technological projects to improve the safety of trucks themselves were also halted by the Trump administration.

Though truckers call their industry one of the most over-regulated in the United States, safety requirements should not be pushed aside. Truckers are certainly not always to blame when it comes to accidents on U.S. highways, but the large size of their vehicles provides the opportunity for considerable damage in the event of a small mistake. For this reason, the current group of regulations should be kept in place and technological research on road safety should be prioritized.

According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety’s most recent available data, 3,852 peo-

ple died in 2015 from large truck crashes. Of this large number, 69 percent of fatalities were passengers in smaller vehicles. Large trucks pose a hazard to passenger vehicles on the road, simply because of their size, so any effort to make them safer should be wholeheartedly supported. The Obama administration sought to require all companies to install underride guards on large trucks, which NPR explains, “would stop a car in a collision before the passenger compartment could wedge under the trailer.” There was also a regulation in the works to mandate speed-limiting devices in trucks. However, these efforts have stalled under the Trump administration and a loss of regulation in the trucking industry could lead to more deaths on the road.

Furthermore, a rule drafted in the Obama era requiring that truck drivers be screened and treated for sleep apnea has stalled as well. Though it may seem invasive to require truckers be tested for sleep apnea, the disease is the leading cause of abnormal sleepiness in the daytime and

its detrimental effects on sleep quality can affect the quality of a trucker’s work. Furthermore, a 2016 study by Harvard University’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health found that, when truckers suffering from sleep apnea do

for drivers behind the wheel and the passengers with whom they share the road.

While some may argue that over-regulation of industry stunts the ability for self regulation, halting safety-related re-

The Obama era reforms were the first step in the right direction in terms of providing a safer traveling environment.

not strictly adhere to a treatment program, they have a rate of preventable crashes five times higher than their counterparts who do not suffer from the disease.

One of 2016’s most deadly crashes involved a large truck and a bus, where both drivers fell asleep and were later found to have undiagnosed sleep apnea. The sleep apnea rule would help reinforce safe driving practices and would provide additional protections

search poses no benefit to either truck drivers or passengers in smaller vehicles. If changes aren’t made, the same negative effects will continue and deaths on the road could rise in the future.

Robert Sumwalt, chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board stated, “We see these issues [driver fatigue] in crash after crash, and we’re tired, yes we are tired, of seeing commercial drivers being tired.”

Many of our nation’s worst accidents are caused by recurring issues that these new regulations could address, but they must be given a chance to make change.

Several of these regulations were stalled before they could even have a significant effect on the industry. If the United States hopes to have improved outcomes on the road and prevent the deaths of both truckers and passengers, regulation is necessary. The Obama era reforms were the first step in the right direction in terms of providing a safer traveling environment and, as a result, the Trump administration should embrace these ideas, not erase them.

CARLY MULVIHILL is an Opinion columnist for The Cavalier Daily. She can be reached at c.mulvihill@cavalierdaily.com.

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OPINION • www.cavalierdaily.com

NEW ENROLLMENT POLICIES ARE MISGUIDED The new administrative review of low-enrollment classes does not solve the issue of unpopular classes

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wo weeks ago, the Board of Visitors unveiled a plan to review low-enrollment classes in the College. Under this new policy, classes with fewer than eight students will be placed under review, while trying to guarantee that professors are actually instructing the classes as listed on SIS. This new College policy was introduced within the framework of “improving the educational quality” students receive at the University in order to ensure course offerings are popular and relevant. However, while this program initially appears well-intentioned, it disproportionately affects small programs and departments such as the Middle Eastern Studies Department, which are vital to the diverse curriculum offered at the University. Although it is promised these departments and programs will not disappear, many students and professors alike are nevertheless unsure about their academic futures. Furthermore, instead of focusing attention on investigating these low-enrollment courses, the University should turn its attention and resources to examining student course reviews in order to determine which programs and departments are truly unpopular and in need of revision.

The College touts a diverse course offering, allowing students to enroll

in classes that spark their intellectual interests. To assist students in finding their academic passions, there are many required classes in the College either as part of the Area Requirements or for a specific major or minor. During course enrollment these required classes, such as elementary language courses and other introduc-

ment capacity as they are prerequisites for schools, special programs, majors and minors in the College. While these prerequisite courses are often full, this does not necessarily mean they are quality courses genuinely enjoyed by students.

If the College really seeks to “update its curriculum and make sure that

While this program initially appears well-intentioned, it disproportionately affects small programs and departments.

tory courses, often fill up fast as they are required by a variety of disciplines.

For example, ECON 2010 is full nearly every semester as it is a prerequisite for both the Commerce School and Batten School — two schools which many students apply to during their second year. Additionally, 1000 and 2000-level language classes are usually full, as the College requires students to complete a language through the 2020 level. Semester after semester these introductory classes continue to be at enroll-

students are interested in the courses offered,” then it should more comprehensively review the student evaluations completed at the conclusion of each semester. In these evaluations, students are instructed to provide honest feedback about the course and the instructor — there are a variety of questions ranging from the amount of work each week to short responses about the professor and their teaching style. These evaluations serve to alert to the professor, department head and

the College of the strengths and weakness of each course and its instructor.

By performing a cumulative review of these evaluations, the College would gain insight into which classes, regardless of enrollment, are truly viewed as unpopular by students.

Enrollment should not be indicative of the popularity and quality of a course when examining classes offered in the College. What separates the College from many other liberal arts schools is its diverse course offering — students have access to courses in over 20 different languages and courses in a variety of disciplines ranging from Politics to Middle Eastern Studies.

This breadth of topics serves to enrich the student body, by engaging them in a diversity of topics. Additionally, many students are attracted to the College for its multitude of languages, many of which are not offered at other institutions. The new policy of reviewing low-enrollment classes would disproportionately affect these small departments and programs which add diversity to the University.

Furthermore there are many academic benefits to smaller class sizes found in these smaller departments — discussion is more easily facilitated, students can more easily engage with professors and more personalized feedback can be provided. These small departments

are essential to the learning experience of many students at the University.

Even though these small departments service less students than their larger counterparts, their diverse course offerings are vital to the curriculum of the College. Instead of reviewing classes with low-enrollment, the College should place a larger emphasis on course evaluations completed by students when determining which classes, departments and programs should be placed under further review. Furthermore, by prioritizing student course reviews, the power to determine the future of departments and programs is transferred to the students, the original goal of the student course evaluation program when first lobbied for by Student Council in 2002. Therefore administrators should more heavily weight student course evaluations when determining which classes enhance the educational offering of the College.

MARY ALICE KUKOSKI is an Opinion columnist for The Cavalier Daily. She can be reached at opinion@cavalierdaily. com.

BRIDGE IDEOLOGICAL GAPS THROUGH CONVERSATION Civil conversations represent a key way to help citizens understand different worldviews

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e have reduced each other to caricatures of the beliefs we hold. Our political discourse is characterized by a knee-jerk withdrawal from any semblance of opposition. We hermit with those who share our beliefs, fabricating a mentality that we cannot coexist with those who hold positions asymmetrical to our own. As we isolate ourselves from each other, we perceive strawman interpretations of opposing arguments, and then we pass these false narratives onto those around us until we claim to understand a belief that we clearly do not. This degradation of our pluralistic society into tribalism, where homogeneous groups refuse to interact with each other, prevents us from recognizing the quality we all share, regardless of belief — our humanity. If we forget our shared human nature, we will lose our ability to engage in any form of civil discourse. It is time to reach across these boundaries and engage constructively in conversations with those who hold viewpoints with which we disagree.

By doing so, we will recognize that the differences we hold do not have to divide us. Instead, these differences can help our community grow — we must learn to see our differences as a vital part of a better and more whole-

some community.

It is easy to withdraw from opposition. We feel more comfortable surrounded by those with whom we agree, and feel as though we can advance our agendas better when we avoid criticism and disagreement. We also feel stronger in our own beliefs when we are surrounded by those

our interconnected world where we have access to each other’s opinions on virtually every hot-button issue, we choose to ignore anything with which we disagree. Instead of avoiding these opinions, we should strive to learn from them. Doing so will help us grow as individual people and as one community.

If we forget our shared human nature, we lose our ability to engage in any form of civil discourse.

who share them, since the absence of opposition leads us to believe our values are right. Historically, withdrawal has been supported by individual communities. A vital aspect of onasticism, for example, is living in isolation from the outside world in order to reach the highest possible level of spirituality. Though physical isolation from opposing ideologies is not as present today, we still try to hide from different beliefs. Even in

Engaging constructively with those who hold opposing beliefs does not mean abandoning a belief system for a communal, non-controversial position. In fact, that homogeneous position is the antithesis of the goal of having these conversations. Our objective should be the free exchange of ideas between parties. The pluralistic nature of a society that engenders that free exchange allows all members of the society to learn from each oth-

er without compromising their individual beliefs.

Having a conversation where all parties benefit may seem simple at face value, but it is a difficult task that can give rise to frustrations and misconceptions. In order for these conversations to be successful, both parties must be prepared to listen. A readiness to share your own opinion must be accompanied by an understanding that every belief is more complex than it initially seems. If we fail to recognize the intricacy of a different belief, we hurt our ability to learn from each other. When we make an effort to recognize the nuanced qualities of an opposing belief, we open ourselves up to the opportunity to understand the true nature of the belief. In addition, a starting point of mutual respect is vital to a successful conversation. Without that respect, neither party will listen to each other and both will leave more frustrated than when they began. By sitting down with the intention to listen and respect the other person’s position, you create an environment where people can learn from each other. Conversation is only the first step in the process towards eliminating tribalism. There will be more to accomplish, but we must first make

an effort to understand each other if we want to eliminate the tribalism that has come to characterize our society.

We have a responsibility to learn from each other. We have divided our society into communities of one belief, and we have each come to believe ourselves as right, without any room for growth. It is now our responsibility to break out of that mentality, and the first step towards a better future is learning from each other. By understanding different belief systems, we show each other that the caricatures we perceive as the truth are mirages — every belief is more nuanced than we initially perceive it to be. We must make a concerted effort to recognize those nuances, first through conversation. By engaging constructively with others, we bring ourselves closer to a pluralistic society through which we can all benefit.

JAKE LICHTENSTEIN is an Opinion columnist for the Cavalier Daily. He can be reached at j.lichtenstein@cavalierdaily.com.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2017

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LAMBETH FIELD REPRESENTS MORE THAN ATHLETICS Residents of Lambeth Field Apartments plead for the abandonment of the reconstruction plan

A

plan will be presented to the Board of Visitors this week which proposes to turn Lambeth Field, encircled by the historical colonnades and adjacent to upper-class housing option Lambeth Field Apartments, into a softball stadium. The current multipurpose field would be gutted, and a softball field with a surrounding facility, dugout and stands pressed up against the southeastern side of the apartments would be constructed.

Speaking for myself and other residents of Lambeth, I can say most of us are appalled not only by this idea, but by the fact that we were completely blindsided by it. The board of administrators and coaches behind this plan held a meeting with Lambeth residents last week, and they emphasized to us how this would be a historic move for women’s sports, finally providing a women’s team with something men’s sports have always enjoyed: their own facility. This is definitely a worthy cause and an important one, but I think there is a larger issue here that transcends those of gender politics. When will we be provided with the same comforts student athletes have always enjoyed? Attention, respect, deference? Why are their

H

HUMOR On Wednesday, the trailer for the latest installment in the Marvel franchise, “Avengers: Infinity Wars,” was released to the world.

Touted as the "beginning of the end" for the Marvel storyline, and combining all the current Marvel superheroes into a final showdown with the dreaded villain Thanos, this is one of the most expensive, most precarious and most anticipated movies of all time. And this trailer made this new movie look frickin' awesome!

Do I feel fine? Oh, I'm good, really. Thanks for asking.

It all began in 2008 with Robert Downey's portrayal of “Iron Man,”

needs and preferences, male or female, always prioritized over those of literally the entire rest of the student body?

In response to this concern, the higher-ups essentially said, “Oh don’t worry, we’re working on improving arts facilities as well!” But that is completely beside the point. The point is that Lambeth residents were in no way

rounded by historic beauty. The field is not only a central part of our residential community — it’s called Lambeth Field Apartments — but also of the University community and that of Charlottesville at large. It is one of the last remaining spaces on Grounds which is open and available for anyone to use at any time, and its tucked-away

Lambeth Field is far from just a field. It’s a direct connection between University students and Charlottesville residents.

consulted, informed or considered at all during the creation of this plan, and by the time these people even thought to tell us about it, they had already decided that it was a fantastic idea.

It is painfully obvious that this entire project exists for the sole benefit of the softball team — no one wants to live with a stadium right outside their window. But there are almost 1,000 students who live in Lambeth. How many people are on the softball team?

Additionally, to destroy Lambeth Field would be to destroy much more than just a lovely patch of grass sur-

nature and picturesque surroundings often make it preferable to the fratty Mad Bowl, the hectic Carr’s Hill field or the highbrow Lawn. And it’s not just students who enjoy Lambeth Field either; it’s the group of guys from Charlottesville who play pick-up soccer every Wednesday and Thursday night, it’s the Indian community members and students who gather every Saturday to play cricket, it’s the little kids and their parents who come to practice their lacrosse skills and laugh at a student’s dog trying to catch a frisbee. And many of those

who come to use our free, well-kept field are minorities, so sure, you’d be helping out women’s sports by building softball a new stadium. But what would you be taking away from other marginalized groups? Lambeth Field is far from just a field — it’s a direct connection between University students and Charlottesville residents, an opportunity for them to see that we’re not just a group of rich, elitist leeches on their town — certainly not the type who would reclaim what has been made into a community space for a flashy stadium. Only the administration is like that.

In response to these arguments, the genius masterminds behind this proposal reassured us that they are planning to add a new multipurpose field for the community to enjoy — in the place of Lambeth’s parking lot!

Not only is that space directly adjacent to one of the busiest streets in town, but it is also one of the most frequently used, always-full parking areas across the entirety of Grounds. I don’t know if the University is for some reason trying to drive students away from on Grounds housing, but I find it hard to believe that they would actually think that any upperclassman would want to live in a complex mere feet away from a massive stadium and with no parking options.

Further, people are drawn to Lambeth for its quiet, secluded nature and,

frankly, no one chooses to live in Lambeth if they are looking for a buzzing social hub. Pressing a sports stadium right up against the apartments is directly at odds with the established culture of our community, and in response to this point, University architect Alice J. Raucher countered, “Well, this could mean some great parties before the games.” A truly sparkling insight — students will surely flock to Lambeth Field Apartments to pregame women’s softball.

If you are a University student, you understand why everything about this concept is absurd. But the middle-aged people who control this school are far removed from the many nuances of student life that are constantly changing. So, why are we never consulted?

When will the administration start factoring students into decisions that directly affect us, the regular, non-athlete plebeians who comprise the majority of this university? I’ve been here only a few months, yet I am comfortable offering my guess with confidence: never.

KATHERINE WEYBACK is a student in the College and resident of Lambeth.

Playing it cool with the Avengers trailer so it was befitting that Tony Stark is one of the first featured frames of the trailer — no, I'm not crying, I just got something in my eye.

Anyways, the trailer plays well to its now-expansive audience, teasing us with various snapshots of our favorite Avengers and Marvel characters coming together in unexplained, unclear scenarios, knowing full well that merely the shared presence of these superheroes on the same screen is enough to excite audiences worldwide. Nothing to worry about here, just going to lie down for a second. Do you have a juice? Or a cold rag I could borrow for my forehead?

One of the most impressive elements of the new trailer that is on full display in such a large ensemble cinematic work is the depth of tal-

ented actors and actresses at their disposal. From established names such as Scarlett Johansson, Samuel Jackson and Benedict Cumberbatch, to stars who are just beginning to become household names, like Chadwick Boseman, Tom Hiddleston and Hayley Atwell — whoa momma, I'm getting dizzy just naming those six! Wow, I've already sweat through my shirt just typing them out.

Despite making brief cameos in previous Marvel movies, Thanos' presence in the trailer and importance in the Marvel storyline moving forward is the new intriguing element of these movies.

While Thanos' desire to acquire the all-powerful Infinity Stones is and has been made perfectly clear, he is still a character that is some-

what unknown or misunderstood by larger audiences. Still, with this being easily the most powerful enemy the Avengers have faced so far, will the assemblage of new superheroes be enough to beat his armies?

If he gets control of all the stones, is there anything the Avengers can do? Who will die in this movie? Do I have to wear dark jeans for the next several months to hide the fact that I will periodically wet myself in anticipation for this movie?

While the excitement for these final movies will build fervently for the next few months and the movie release will certainly smash box-office records, this is also the progression Marvel Studios is undertaking to the end of the Thanos storyline. For years, this franchise has been a focal part of my youth,

has given me more enjoyment than the totality of my personal relationships and has been a calm and consistent presence in even the most tumultuous points of my life; I'm sure I'm not alone in these feeling towards the seemingly insignificance of comic book movies. Man, I am really shaking right now, isn't that crazy? Is it just me, or is it hot in here? Why is the room spinning?

Mom? MOM! I NEED 30 TICKETS FOR ME AND MY IMAGINARY FRIENDS TO GO TO THE INFINITY WARS MOVIE!

BRENNAN LEE is the Humor Editor for The Cavalier Daily. He can be reached at b.lee@cavalierdaily.com.

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WEEKLY CROSSWORD PUZZLE Dan Goff | Arts and Entertainment Editor

PUZZLES

Across

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1. What we can all catch up on after finals

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6. Two -word Latin phrase meaning "in other words"

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11. Does not sit

EVENTS

12. About the space of time passing from Thanksgiving break to 38-down 13. Exercises resembling fencing moves

Monday 12/4 UVA Class of 2018 Presents: Study in the Football Suites, 12pm, Scott Stadium Moveable Type Presents: Fall Launch, 7-9pm, OpenGrounds Tuesday 12/5 UVA Class of 2018 Presents: Study in the Football Suites, 12pm, Scott Stadium Madison House Presents: End of Semester Celebration, 11am1pm, Madison House U-Singers Present: 50th Annual Messiah Sing-In, 8-10pm, Old Cabell Hall Tread happy Presents: 2nd Annual Santa Speedo Run, 6:309:30pm, Trinity Irish Pub Watch Party: Virginia Men’s Basketball vs. West Virginia, 6:309:30pm, Alumni Hall Wednesday 12/6 UVA Class of 2018 Presents: Study in the Football Suites, 8am, Scott Stadium VG’s and Sil’hooettes Free Holiday Concert, 7-8pm, University Chapel Alumni Association Presents: Study Break, 9-11am, Alumni Hall UDems Present: Finals Study Break, 8-11pm, Clark 156

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16. One -eighth circle arcs

20. Flat, ring -shaped part of the eye

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19. Slang for heroin

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14. Eight -legged fear of many

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27. Indian holy man 29. Jackets made from certain fabric (think Patagonia)

55. Partial or total loss of memory

8. Regularly found in a certain area (as a disease)

31. Vigiltant, protecting something (two words)

56. Lamentations for the dead

9. Unable to produce children

33. Dark brown or black, often with -y

57. Benedictine monk of Canterbury

10. You might "seek" these at an amusement park

34. Long-necked Indian lute

58. Peruse text again

38. Attired

59. Having a lively attitude

11. Noise suggesting moving through water

42. Along with cones, these can be found in the retina

Down

44. Geometric surface of revolution

1. Fine plasters used for coating walls

46. Islamic republic with capital Tehran 47. Prefix used in name of popular photo app (offten with -a) 48. Old-fashioned word for "long ago"

2. Ornamental evergreen shrub 3. If you have a fiancee, you are ___ 4. In the Bible, Nod is located "East of ___"

49. Binary compound of nitrogen

5. Expression used to sneakily get someone's attention

51. Salt or ester of oxalic acid

6. Fakes, frauds

54. Completely, absolutely

7. Shia Labeouf command: "Just ___!" (two words)

35. If you don't have feet, you're also more than likely ___ 36. Rich tapestries 37. How you might perform a skill after a long period of inactivity 38. Imminent weeks -long break

14. Plant of the lily family with blue, star -shaped flowers

39. Yellow -and-black bird related to starling

15. Groups

40. Dog or other animal used to hunt vermin

17. Singular of a popular life-simulation PC game

41. Make furious

21. Reimbursements

43. Classical portico

24. Heels and flats are examples

45. 38-down is a good time to blow off ___

28. Uncontrolled, unconstrained

50. Large, broad pelvic bones

30. Alter or improve a body of work

52. What some celebrate during 38-down

32. Variant spelling of a treasure -seeking 1985 movie

53. "Pitch Perfect" star Anna

*THE SOLUTION TO THIS PUZZLE CAN BE FOUND IN NEXT WEEK’S ISSUE

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*SOLUTION FROM LAST WEEK’S PUZZLE

MONDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2017

A& E

Best television shows of 2017

ARTS &

This year presents a crowded TV landscape

ENTERTAINMENT

There is simply too much television out right now. With the blossoming of streaming services over the last few years, keeping up with all appointment television has become impossible. Yet as the year comes to an end, it is time to reflect on some of the most engaging TV of 2017.

10. “Star Trek: Discovery” (CBS All Access) The newest Star Trek series is not the greatest thing to ever come out on TV. In many ways, the strings that hold the series together are rather apparent, yet for a complex sci-fi series, “Discovery” is a success. Hopefully, the series only builds into a more confident second season, but characters like Tilly (Mary Wiseman) make this series a fun viewing.

9. “Outlander” (Starz) Season three continues this epic love story, which spans centuries. Halfway through season three, the show takes on a fresh new title sequence and storyline.

The love between Claire and Jaime remains one of the all-time best romance stories ever, and the sci-fi and historical fiction elements of the series make it accessible for everyone.

8. “The Handmaid’s Tale” (Hulu) In many ways, this Hulu adaption of the Margaret Atwood novel of the same name got lucky.

If it weren’t for the political landscape of the United States today, then “The Handmaid’s Tale” may not have resonated as strongly with audiences. While at times this hypothetical future’s treatment of women is downright depressing, it also acts as a warning.

7. “Glow” (Netflix) From the same people behind

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Sam Henson | Arts and Entertainment Ediotr “Orange is the New Black” comes a new female-centric comedy about the world of women’s wrestling. Alison Brie shines as the lead in this wonderfully delightful ensemble series, which also includes podcast legend and comedian Marc Maron in a wonderful series regular role.

6. “American Gods” (Starz) This is without a doubt one of the strangest TV shows of the year, as “American Gods” adapts the Neil Gaiman novel of the same name. With an interesting concept of gods living among people, the first season sets up a war between the new gods such as Media (Gillian Anderson) and the old gods such as Odon (Ian McShane). Season two has huge expectations to fill.

5. “Insecure” (HBO) Issa Rae leads the pack when it comes to creative talents on TV. Rae tells the story of a black woman in Los Angeles who is simply living her life. For all the insecurities of the lead character Issa, “Insecure” is an extremely confident comedy. This critical darling is one to catch up on.

4. “Stranger Things” (Netflix) Season two of “Stranger Things” is not as good as season one, but it's still great. These nine episodes walk a tightrope of repetition, but luckily it still makes for a wonderful binge. As new character combinations are pushed into storylines together, season two acts as a transition season for what’s to come.

3. “Big Little Lies” (HBO) While this show can be hard to watch at times, the cast and characters are incredible. Reese Witherspoon and Nicole Kidman lead a glorious group of female actors as they deliver complex fe-

COURTESY NBC

In “The Good Place,” Kristen Bell has charisma for days and Ted Danson is devilishly fun.

male performances. The murder mystery adds to the mystique, and it leaves viewers hoping that all the talent involved will agree to return for a second season.

2. “The Good Place” (NBC) The only show on this list to air on a broadcast network, “The Good Place” is a very light comedy that contemplates some of the most challenging philosophical questions. Kristen Bell has charisma for days, and Ted Danson is devilishly fun. The twists are shocking and the ride is a blast.

1. “The Leftovers” (HBO) What is there left to say about this gem. “The Leftovers” is perhaps the greatest poetry to ever

make it on television. The acting will blow you away, and the conclusion of this show will be debated for years to come. While “The Leftovers” is over, the show will no doubt be in the upper echelon of dramas forever.

Honorable Mentions “The Americans” (FX), “Bojack Horseman” (Netflix), “Game of Thrones” (HBO), “Master of None” (Netflix), “Mr. Robot” (USA), “Ozark” (Netflix), “The Good Fight” (CBS All Access) Best Episode “The Spoils of War” –– “Game of Thrones” (HBO) The biggest battle sequence

in the seventh season of “Game of Thrones” does not take place beyond the wall, but rather in a loot train. This episode finally gives a convincing portrayal of the dragons, and the battle between Daenarys and Jaimi is riveting –– both for the action and for the fact that both characters were protagonists in the series.

While not every episode of the seventh season is a hit, this one will be remembered as one of the greats.

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT • www.cavalierdaily.com

‘Everyday is Christmas’ lacks spirit Sia’s eighth studio album is downright confusing Kate Granruth | Staff Writer Australian singer-songwriter Sia has been making music for over 20 years, but she only recently rose to worldwide recognition after releasing her sixth studio album “1000 Forms of Fear” in 2014. The album — featuring famous tracks such as “Chandelier” and “Elastic Heart” — established the singer’s identity as a performer. With her face hidden behind an oversized wig, her crooning voice breaking on the high notes and her songs tackling tough topics like addiction and alcoholism, Sia managed to characterize herself as an artist divergent from the earworms that dominate the Top 100 list.

And then she released a Christmas album.

“Everyday is Christmas” is the eighth studio album from Sia and her first attempt at a holiday album. In a “Beats 1” interview with Zane Lowe, Sia revealed that she went into the studio intending to record a mix of original songs and classic Christmas covers. She found the Christmas songwriting process so easy, however, that she wound up with an entirely original 10-track album.

“I just was having so much fun because it’s already there, all of the concepts, you just have to expand on them,” the singer said in the interview. “It’s not like you have to have an original idea to begin with.

It’s like, ‘okay, so Christmas, mistletoe, right, okay ho-ho-ho, right okay yeah, Santa Claus, Christmas lists, elves.’ You’ve got all of the subject matter. It was easy and fun, so we did it in two weeks.”

Unfortunately, Sia’s rushed writing process and lack of originality shine through on “Everyday is Christmas.” The album lacks any semblance of direction, as evidenced by the first single of the album, “Santa’s Coming for Us.” The lyrics are a jumbled mix of random Christmas images as Sia sings, “Nights are getting shorter now, hot chocolate / Fills the air and Christmas cheer does, too / Pick a merry old Christmas tree, so lovely / The joy this time here brings to you.”

Likewise, “Candy Cane Lane” has a chorus so silly that it wouldn’t seem out of place at an elementary school holiday concert. Sia sings, “Candy Cane Lane, bring a friend this holiday / Bring a friend who loves to play, we'll eat all the candy canes.”

If the album maintained this light and upbeat vibe, the album would at least make sense, perhaps targeted toward a younger audience. But alas, it does not.

Advanced track “Snowman” features a crying snowman as an allegory for a rough patch in a relationship. She sings, “Don't cry, snowman, not in front of me / Who'll catch your tears if you can't catch me, darling / If you can't catch me, darling / Don't cry snowman, don't leave me this way / A puddle of water can’t hold me close, baby.”

Meanwhile, the opening of “Ho Ho Ho” calls on Christmas party guests to bring out the rum and cream and whiskey bourbon. These songs are not for children, and the previous songs are not really for adults, so who is this album for?

The confusion surrounding the purpose of this album culminates in arguably the most out of place track on the album — “Puppies Are Forever.” Sia lilts, “Puppies are forever, not just for Christmas / 'Cause they're so cute and fluffy with shiny coats / But will you love 'em when they're old and slow / Puppies are forever, not just for Christmas” in this random track that seems to hint towards her work as an animal rights activist, imploring people to do their research before gifting someone a puppy. This is an important message — sure — but it comes in such an obscure and unexpected place that all meaning is lost in the ludicrousness.

Ultimately, “Everyday is Christmas” is simply too contradictory, existing in limbo between silly and serious. The light, upbeat tracks can’t be taken seriously, and the more somber tracks prevent the album from just being pure fun. In the end, Sia’s initial intentions for the album are totally lost in translation.

COURTESY WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

“Everyday is Christmas” is simply too contradictory, existing in limbo between silly and serious.

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H&S HEALTH & SCIENCE

The University has collaborated with many organizations and schools to promote science, technology, engineering and mathematics education and diversity in the field across many Charlottesville area schools.

Charlottesville City Schools Superintendent Rosa Atkins said in an email statement that various partnerships that have been formed over the years. She believes that promoting diversity is important, especially for those in lower income households since they traditionally do not enter STEM fields.

According to Atkins, classes taught in the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences by Reid Bailey, associate professor of systems and information engineering, and Greg Lewin, lecturer of systems and information engineering, develop projects for Clark Elementary School, Walker Upper Elementary School and Buford Middle School. These projects culminate in a STEM fair that features interactive stations — reinforcing topics from the students’ lessons, such as photosynthesis and echolocation.

At Buford Middle School, Instructional Technology Prof.

Glen L. Bull, Assoc. Education Prof. Joe Garofalo and VMDO architects collaborated to create the Buford Engineering Design Academy in order to facilitate opportunities in STEM exploration. Through this partnership, they crafted four STEM labs within the school, facilitating the integration of engineering concepts into the curricula. According to the VMDO website, these labs focus on the themes of technology, connectivity and collaboration and utilizing sustainable materials.

Robert Moje, an architect from VMDO who led the project for Buford, said it is important to foster an environment that creates opportunities for improved STEM education.

“Some people think it’s about how pretty a building looks on the outside,” Moje said.

“In my opinion that’s not important at all — it’s the places and spaces that are created that can foster the activities of human beings to pursue their passions and their joys, and STEM spaces have the most potential to do that.”

He noted that the evolution of the school system over hundreds of years has hindered STEM education in that classes are always set to 50 minutes with block scheduling, when development

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U.Va. promotes local STEM education Collaboration to help empower middle and high schoolers create avenues for learning Irena Kesselring and Anna Cristou | Staff Writers can only occur in a space where students can work over many weeks or semesters. Moje also expressed a desire for a fundamental change in the way students are taught.

“So even where we talked about STEM, we’re stuck in this old model of thinking that every job requires STEM, so schools should be preparing kids in STEM,” Moje said. “I would argue it should be about helping them find their passions, their joy and their joy of learning and discovery — not the acquisition of knowledge.”

In addition, the University has collaborated with Charlottesville High School for the past four years on a poster symposium, “Future Leaders in Health Care.” CHS teacher Anne Pfister, teaches the school’s human biology course for juniors and seniors and leads the poster project in her class.

For the project, the students go to the University’s Health Sciences library and conduct a literature search on an issue in health care, while meeting with physicians and scientists, who help the students search scientific journals. The students’ research culminates in a poster that they present at a symposium. At the symposium, after the students discuss their projects with the scientists, the scientists judge them and the top three projects are awarded prizes.

Pfister believes that this project and partnering with scientists at the University allows students to gain an in-depth understanding of issues in a real-world context.

“It’s applying what we do in class and applying to the real world … It’s not just doing a Google search,” Pfister said.

Brandon Kemp, co-chair of the Department of Medicine’s Staff Employee Advisory Council, helped to organize the symposium. He said that inspiring students to look into scientific research and reaching out to a diverse student body is important for development.

“I know that one of the firstyears that we did this, we received a letter from one of the parents of one of the students, who said ‘Thank you so much for doing this sort of project to convince my daughter that she is capable in science,’” Kemp said. “Those things make it really worth it … Sometimes it will be a challenge for certain students, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t still enter that field.”

RICHARD DIZON | THE CAVALIER DAILY

Partnerships between the University and local schools provide increased STEM experiences and education for K-12 students.

Leah Beard, assistant director for Diversity Programs at the School of Medicine, was also involved in organizing the symposium. She said STEM education needs to be promoted earlier on while emphasizing the benefits of diversity in STEM. “I think it definitely has to start in elementary school, just to expose students to science experiments,” Beard said. “There’s been lots of research to show that diversity of background, socioeconomic status and gender and race improve the outcome of STEM fields, and so by getting involved in the local schools early it helps promote an interest in students that may not have that interest sparked elsewhere.”

Moreover, Asst. Chemistry Prof. Rebecca Pompano also partnered with CHS but on a different project. She organized a field trip earlier this week, in which her laboratory hosted students from CHS. “The goal was to do a science

and art field trip, so we had a combination of students from the art classroom and the chemistry, the AP chemistry, classes,” Pompano said.

According to Pompano, during the field trip, the students were first given tours of the laboratory by graduate students.

Then, two graduate students presented their projects and discussed why they chose to pursue science and graduate school. The final activity that the students participated in was a science and art activity.

Pompano said that in this activity, which relates to her work on artificial organs, the students had to drop a surreal face on a puzzle. Then, they traded with another student and ended up with a new piece.

“The connection to science was that we do that when we make an artificial organ — we’ll rearrange it and connect it to other pieces,” Pompano said.

Pompano believes that this

field trip allowed the students to gain exposure to a research lab. This exposure, according to Pompano, will show students that they can pursue research and become more informed citizens.

Atkins said that input from local resources, including parents, administrators, industry experts and university personnel, has facilitated the development of a diverse K-12 STEM program.

She emphasized that “having this home-grown approach” allows for the needs of the students to be effectively met and for the educational benefits to be maximized.

“We want all students to go beyond their comfort level and try something new,” Atkins said.

“It’s okay to make mistakes — in fact, we encourage them to make mistakes. We believe that is when really deep and meaningful learning occurs.”

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